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To conclude its three-week tour across 11 cities in Europe, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra traveled to Rome on Monday for its final concert, which was attended by Cardinal Blase Cupich, at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Earlier in the day, Maestro Riccardo Muti, CSO music director emeritus for life, was awarded the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor by Martin Briens, Ambassador of France to Italy, during a ceremony held at Palazzo Farnese. Patrons and musicians also explored some of Rome’s historic sites, including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, among others, before the return trip back to Chicago.
Sisters Qing Hou and Lei Hou, both members of the violin section, catch up during a three-hour train ride from Milan to Rome on Sunday, January 28. The sisters both joined the CSO in 1997 at the invitation of Daniel Barenboim.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
James Ross, CSO percussion, and his daughter, Annie Ross, head toward the buses after disembarking a train in Rome’s Termini Station, which is one of the largest in Europe with its 29 platforms.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Guido Frackers, president of TravTours, and hotel staff sort through luggage so it can be delivered to each musician’s room at Le Meridien Visconti in Rome. The luggage was transported from Milan to Rome in a truck in order to make the train travel easier for everyone.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A group of tour participants—front row, from left to right: Jiwon Sun, Lora Schaefer and Kiju Joh, and back row, from left to right: Robin Taylor, William Welter, Karen Basrak and Joseph Lobel—toss coins over their shoulders into Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain. The origins of the fountain date back to 19 B.C., when the fountain formed the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, and it was constructed in its current form during the 16th century by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO assistant principal oboe Lora Schaefer captures a photo as she stands beneath the oculus in the dome that sits atop the ancient Roman Pantheon. Construction on this Roman temple began in 27 B.C. and was rebuilt between 118 and 128 A.D., following a fire. The Pantheon was dedicated in 609 A.D. as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs, which it remains today.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO musicians David Griffin, John Bruce Yeh and Cornelius Chiu dine together with patrons at a restaurant on the evening of their arrival in Rome, the final destination of the CSO’s Europe 2024 Tour.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO cello David Sanders hosted a dinner for his fellow section members and their guests on the evening before his final concert as a member of the CSO, the orchestra he has called home for 50 years. Cheers to David on his long, distinguished career!
Todd Rosenberg Photography
On Monday, January 29, Maestro Riccardo Muti, CSO music director emeritus for life, was named Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur (Commander of the Legion of Honor) in a ceremony held in the Hall of Fasti at the Palazzo Farnese. Martin Briens, Ambassador of France to Italy, presented the award to Muti on behalf of Emmanuel Macron, president of the French Republic, in recognition of the conductor’s distinguished career with major orchestras, including the CSO, and at opera houses around the world, as well as his commitment to young musicians.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
To conclude the award ceremony, CSO trombone Michael Mulcahy introduced a musical finale in honor of what he described as an “ auspicious and noble occasion” as the CSO Brass Quintet—Esteban Batallán, (trumpet), John Hagstrom (trumpet), David Griffin (horn), Michael Mulcahy (trombone) and Gene Pokorny (tuba)—performed “Fanfare pour précéder La Péri” by 20th-century French composer Paul Dukas and an arrangement of “Va Pensiero” from Verdi’s Nabucco.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The CSO’s longtime photographer Todd Rosenberg captures a fisheye view of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma as the orchestra warms up on stage before its final concert of the Europe 2024 Tour. Rosenberg has been photographing the CSO for 25 years, both while the Orchestra performs in its Chicago home, as well as when it takes the show on the road.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A mother photographs her children in front of the signage promoting the CSO’s performance at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma on Monday, January 26. The CSO last performed at this venue in 2012, also under the baton of Maestro Riccardo Muti.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Maestro Riccardo Muti leads the CSO in the final concert of the Europe 2024 Tour. This program featured Liadov’s The Enchanted Lake, Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird and Strauss’ Aus Italien.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO basses Robert Kassinger and Daniel Carson enjoy their intermission break backstage at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Maestro Riccardo Muti recognizes CSO cello David Sanders at the conclusion of the cellist’s final performance as a member of the Orchestra. Appointed to the CSO in 1974, Sanders enjoyed a 50-year career under three music directors—Sir Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim and Muti—and performed with musicians who he considers not only talented colleagues, but also dear friends.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, reacts to being recognized by Maestro Riccardo Muti during the conductor’s remarks at the end of the concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
When in Rome, the Italian music director brings Verdi. Maestro Riccardo Muti leads the CSO in Verdi’s Overture to Giovanna d'Arco as an encore for the enthusiastic crowd. The venerated conductor is known as the foremost interpreter of the music of Italy’s own Giuseppe Verdi.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Who needs a tow truck to move an illegally parked car in a loading zone when the CSO stage technicians are around? When a job needs to get done—such as loading tour cargo onto a truck following a concert—the CSO stage technicians can always be counted on to follow through in whatever manner it takes, including picking up a car a moving it with their own strength.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Patrons and musicians enjoy a farewell dinner of classic Italian fare following the final concert of the Europe 2024 Tour. Without its loyal patrons, the CSO would be unable to share its live performances with fans both in Chicago and around the globe. Grazie mille for making it possible.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO bass Brad Opland and violin Melanie Kupchynsky head toward the buses as the “paparazzi” lurk in the background.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The sun slowly rises over St. Peter’s Basilica and along the streets of Rome as the bus heads for the airport. Arrivederci, Roma. Until next time.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO assistant principal second violin Danny Jin is all smiles as he boards the plane home following his first tour as a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It’s hard work, but it’s a pretty good gig.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
